Union City's Discovery Park to Exhibit and Auction Unique Artifacts at 2024 Discovery Awards

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, will host an exhibit and silent auction at the 2024 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards. The event, also a gala and fundraiser, is on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The 2024 Discovery Awards recipients are Dr. Nick Dunagan, Deanie Parker, David Ring, and Elizabeth Taylor.

The exhibit and auction will display various memorabilia. These include photos from Obion County's history, a signed photo by Douglass MacArthur, and a set by Verne and Nonie Sabin. Other items include a vintage Kickapoo Joy Juice sign, late 1800s wooden bowls, a Chinese opium pipe, a short sword from the Vietnam and Pacific Theater, and etched water buffalo horns.

A notable item is a snake wine bottle from Vietnam. Mary Nita Bondurant, Discovery Park’s development director, believes guests will find the snake bottle and other items interesting.

A committee at Discovery Park, including Jennifer Wildes, the senior director of exhibits and collections, selected the items. Wildes stated that the museum is following best practices by regularly reviewing and maintaining its collection. This allows the museum to properly care for, store, and display its artifacts as new ones arrive.

The auction's proceeds will support Discovery Park’s permanent collection. A limited number of tickets for the 2024 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards are available. A preview of the auction items is on the Discovery Park Facebook page.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.